Areta Press

A hybrid publisher for women.

If you’re here, you already know the value of a book.

You don’t need persuading that writing one matters — for your credibility, your visibility or the ideas you want to put into the world. What you may be less certain about, however, is how to publish without the process becoming stressful, unclear or disappointing.

That’s where Areta Press comes in — a boutique hybrid publisher for women experts.

We exist for women who want their book — and the experience of creating it — to reflect the authority they’ve built.

What is hybrid publishing?

Hybrid publishing sits between traditional and self-publishing. 

As the author, you invest in the publishing process and retain full ownership of your work, including 100% of your royalties. In return, you work with a professional publishing team that guides the process, upholds high editorial and production standards and handles publication properly.

At Areta Press, hybrid publishing means partnership, transparency and doing the work to an exceptional standard, without rushing or cutting corners.

Who this is for

Areta is for a very specific kind of woman author. We publish high-quality nonfiction rooted in professional expertise, including business, leadership, self-development and health and wellbeing. These are books shaped by your work, ideas and practice. 

We don’t publish memoirs.

It’s likely right for you if you:

• Are an established female business owner, expert or founder
• Take your work seriously
• Want a book that reflects your expertise and authority
• Care deeply about quality — in writing, editing and design
• Are self-led, committed and ready to prioritise this project
• Want support and structure, without being hand-held

You don’t need convincing that a book matters because you already know.

It’s probably not right for you if you:

• Are at the very beginning of your professional journey
• Want the cheapest or fastest route to publication
• Want someone else to drive the project for you
• Are comfortable with “good enough”

For that reason, we publish a small number of books each year, by design, so standards stay high and the experience remains personal.

Our process typically takes 9 months to complete, as we guide you through each step from idea to published book.

What makes Areta Press different

At the heart of Areta Press is a simple belief:

Women’s expertise deserves to be taken seriously, which means their books have to be excellent.

Everything we do flows from that, including

• Shaping strong foundations before writing begins.

• Working with editors and designers who are the gold standard in their field.

• Building care and clarity into the structure of the process.

• Thinking beyond publication — considering how your book supports your wider visibility and opportunities.

In our opinion, this is publishing done properly.

An overview of the process

The hybrid publishing journey is clear and contained.

1. Concept and direction

We shape the heart of the book together – the idea, positioning and structure – before writing begins.

2. Writing and editorial development

You write over a structured period, supported by focused editorial direction and a steady rhythm.

3. Production and publication

Your manuscript is edited, designed and produced by experienced professionals, then published via established distribution channels.

4. Launch preparation and beyond

As the book enters production, we look ahead to how it will be launched and how it will live in the world after publication.

Care, structure and support

Publishing a book is a big thing — even for confident, capable women. Therefore, our process is designed to acknowledge that, without making it heavy or overwhelming.

You’ll have:

• Clear milestones and timelines
• Consistent communication from a project manager
• Defined points of support
• A small, private author community for shared momentum

Care here doesn’t mean constant access. It means clarity, steadiness, and knowing who is holding the process.

The aim is for you to come out of this:

• Proud of the book
• Confident in what you’ve created
• Delighted with the experience

Investment

£10,000 — founding author rate

£5,000 is payable on acceptance, with the remaining balance spread over six months.

You, the author, retain 100% of your royalties.

Places are limited. Not all submissions are accepted.

The selection process

As a hybrid publisher for women, we work through a two-stage process to ensure fit on both sides.

1. Expression of Interest

You share details about your book idea and your background.

2. Paid concept review (£250)

If invited, your concept is reviewed in detail and you receive written feedback.

Should you be accepted to publish with Areta Press, this fee is deducted from the publishing investment. If not, you leave with clarity you can take forward.

My role in the process

I’m Steph Caswell — Founder and Publisher of Areta Press. I’m a developmental editor and strategist, as well as multi-published author and Business Book Awards finalist.

My expertise sits at the early stages of the book: shaping the idea, clarifying the structure and ensuring the foundations are strong before writing progresses.

Production, design, and launch strategy are handled by a carefully chosen team of specialists who share the same standards.

You’ll always know who is responsible for what and where the support sits.

If this feels aligned…

This hybrid publishing experience won’t be right for everyone — and that’s intentional.

But if you’re an established woman who:

• Knows the value of a book
• Wants to do it properly
• Refuses to choose between excellence and nurture

You’re very welcome to enquire.

Your first step is to complete the Submission Enquiry Form below.

Submission Enquiry Form

Areta Press is currently in its founding phase. This page lives under my personal website while the full imprint branding and site are in development.

You can download the full Areta Author Information Pack here.